Pinkbike Poll: Loud Hubs - Yes or No?
Mountain bikers are an opinionated bunch, and given the chance we'll debate fiercely about topics that would seem incredibly trivial to an outsider, everything from how many spokes a wheel should have to the ideal seat tube angle, or the perfect tire pressure. It's not that we don't have anything better to do (ok, that might not always be true...), but it does illustrate just how passionate we are about the sport and all of its techy nuances.
The topic of this week's poll falls deep into the bike dork zone, but it's one that many riders have strong opinions about, even those who aren't mechanically inclined: Do you prefer your rear hub to be loud or quiet?
![Santa Cruz Bronson review]()
![Bontrager XXX wheels]()
For some, there's nothing better than hearing the 'swarm of bees' sound that's the aural signature of a Chris King hub, or the staccatto 'click, click, click' of an Industry Nine hub as they coast down the trail. It's like the grown up version of putting baseball cards in your spoke, just without the free stick of stale bubble gum. In many cases, a louder hub signifies faster engagement, which is part of the reason that those extra decibels are desirable. On the other hand, Onyx's new hub manages to offer instant engagement and silent operation thanks to the use of a sprag clutch, although it's on the heavier side, and long term durability still remains to be seen.
Personally, my dream ride would be dead silent, free of any noises except for the sound of the tires digging into the ground. The sensation of quietly speeding along on a strip of singletrack is hard to beat, and I'd vote for that over riding a bike that sounds like it's full of cicadas that just woke up from their seventeen year slumber. That's just me, though – cast your vote and voice your own opinion below.
The topic of this week's poll falls deep into the bike dork zone, but it's one that many riders have strong opinions about, even those who aren't mechanically inclined: Do you prefer your rear hub to be loud or quiet?
If you don't want to startle hikers, Industry Nine's hub will help.
DT's Swiss's Star Ratchet system isn't silent, but it emits a much more subdued sound than other high engagement hubs.
For some, there's nothing better than hearing the 'swarm of bees' sound that's the aural signature of a Chris King hub, or the staccatto 'click, click, click' of an Industry Nine hub as they coast down the trail. It's like the grown up version of putting baseball cards in your spoke, just without the free stick of stale bubble gum. In many cases, a louder hub signifies faster engagement, which is part of the reason that those extra decibels are desirable. On the other hand, Onyx's new hub manages to offer instant engagement and silent operation thanks to the use of a sprag clutch, although it's on the heavier side, and long term durability still remains to be seen.
Personally, my dream ride would be dead silent, free of any noises except for the sound of the tires digging into the ground. The sensation of quietly speeding along on a strip of singletrack is hard to beat, and I'd vote for that over riding a bike that sounds like it's full of cicadas that just woke up from their seventeen year slumber. That's just me, though – cast your vote and voice your own opinion below.
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Member since Feb 1, 2009
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Trail bike: QUIET. Because I use a DT Swiss hub and it's spot on. I ride in the bush/woods to get away from the noise of the "civilised" world!
How does 204 points of engagement Profile Elite hub sound to you?
Yes they warranty but i will never ride hope againt
Also, your hub isnt warning anyone. You pounding through the woods like a wounded moose is what is warning hikers, but 2/3 have headphones in, so it doesnt matter. A loud hub does not equal a bell.
Also, your hub is not saving you from Pumas or Mountain lions. They know where you are. You are loud.
Somebody give us another lever to put in our handlebar, so we can switch on/off our's hub noise
I wouldn't have believed it either
Seems a bit unlikely that there are any surviving strains of truly big cat anywhere in the British isles. Bobcats possibly but don't be scared of those guys they won't stalk you as prey.
Now, Santa Cruz on the other hand: santacruzpumas.org
to bad everyone runs, walks, and hikes with headphones in and cant hear you over taylor swift's new single.
Hope is ok and all but it will never beat the bumble bee!
I've been trying to quiet this hub down but.... I still love it. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
vimeo.com/175188479
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDgc8PhTJlU
Because compared to most PB posters they are older, ride better, and not as loud.
I am very much for everyone accessing all trails, but most of my experiences, and the rules around the horse folks are very frustrating.
(end mild rant)
That being said, right on for getting your wife some horses. My wife has always wanted "1" so I will probably be doing the same some day.
You actually just have to announce yourself and see if the horse is acting weird, ie, turning, backing up, acting riled. Then follow the riders instruction. You know, I think we may be in the minority when it comes to bikes. Our half draft (he has the 30lbs piles of poop on the trail) his first trail ride, I rode my mtb on the trail while my wife rode him (illegally btw). I rode in front, rode behind, touched him with my hand. He's fine with it. Our quarter horse mare (she has the 15lbs piles of poop) she was super sketchy of bikes, but I rode with her too and did all the trail stuff. Now she's fine. I could take them to the mtb trails and never have an issue.
As for the poop, it's actually the cleanest of all the farm animals. However, in my area of the country, the horse lobbies and bike lobbies worked it out so we don't share mtb/horse trails. The one trail we do share, 30 miles or so of limestone, gravel bike type stuff, we pay around $50 per horse to ride them because there is a clean crew to take care of it.
If the bike rider comes storming up and does not give the right of way or does not follow instruction (there are IMBA rules for horses) and there is a wreck, it becomes the bike riders fault. If you are just sitting there, completely different issue.
As for your wife and a horse... They are kinda cool. I mean it's a 1500lbs (or 2000lbs, he's mine) animal that is afraid of everything and getting them to trust you is pretty cool. And if you ever need a leverage tool for buying a fork or new bike...
MPM tech SOUND!